Baravi Handicrafts Cafe, Coral Coast: A FULL Cafe & Shop Review

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A Feast for the Senses: Delicious Delights at Baravi Handicrafts Cafe

Situated along Fiji’s main highway, Queens Road, Baravi Handicrafts Cafe offers the perfect blend of on-the-go road trip snacks and full meals that make it a worthy dining destination in its own right.

As we discovered, this charming eatery provides a welcome respite from the Coral Coast’s pricier resort restaurants, with a menu that caters to all tastes and budgets.

From Quick Bites to Hearty Meals

Whether you’re after a quick snack or a leisurely lunch, Baravi has you covered. We were impressed by the variety of options, ranging from grab-and-go salad cups to substantial burgers and pizzas.

For those in a hurry, the “Salad Cups” section offers refreshing choices like the “Garden Green Salad” or “Tropical Fruit Salad”.

If you’re craving something more substantial, the “Baravi Burgers” menu features tempting options such as the “Chicken Burger” with smoky BBQ sauce and the “Veggie Burger” with a chipotle dip.

Pizza Perfection

Pizza lovers won’t be disappointed with the ‘Crustylicious Pizza’ selection. From the spicy “Peri Peri Chicken” to the vegetarian-friendly “Baravi Vege”, there’s a pizza to suit every palate. The pizzas come in both 8-inch and 12-inch sizes, perfect for sharing or indulging solo.

A Taste of Indo-Fijian Cuisine

One of the highlights of our visit was sampling the authentic Indo-Fijian thali, a must-try dish in Fiji. The “Thali Specials” offer a delightful array of flavours, with options including Lamb, Chicken, and Vegetarian thalis. We can’t recommend this enough for those looking to experience true Fijian fusion cuisine.

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Comfort Food Classics

Laura was particularly thrilled to discover a taste of home on the blackboard specials: roast chicken with potatoes and gravy. This comforting dish transported her straight back to the UK, proving that sometimes the simplest meals can be the most satisfying.

Breakfast Bonanza

Early risers will appreciate the breakfast menu, featuring classics like “Eggs on Toast” and more adventurous options such as the “Breakfast Egg Wrap” with bacon, tomato, and chilli. The “2-Egg Omelette with Toast” comes in various flavours, including a spicy Masala version for those who like to start their day with a kick.

Something for Everyone

The extensive menu also includes gourmet pies, subs and wraps, and ‘All Time Favorites’ like “Fish & Chips” and “Chicken & Chips”. With such a diverse range of options, Baravi Handicrafts Cafe ensures that every diner finds something to their liking.

Something Sweet

One of the first things that caught our eye (and we’re sure it’ll catch yours too) was the dessert cabinet. This colourful array of cakes, cheesecakes, muffins, and more is a true feast for the senses. These sweet delights are freshly made at their sister cafe, Corner Cafe, and delivered daily to Baravi.

We couldn’t resist indulging in a slice of rich chocolate cake and a velvety vanilla sponge, but other options were equally tempting, featuring everything from classic lamingtons to decadent brownies. The cafe takes particular pride in its cupcakes, which are lovingly crafted by a passionate team of bakers and decorators.

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The Enchanting Ambiance

Now that we’ve invigorated the senses with the culinary delights of Baravi Handicrafts Cafe let’s dive into the charming atmosphere that makes this spot truly special.

Nestled in a garden-side setting with the Fijian coast just a stone’s throw away, this cafe offers a front-row seat to nature’s daily spectacle – the sunset. As you sip your freshly brewed coffee or savour a slice of homemade cake, you’ll be treated to a mesmerising display of colours painting the sky.

The open-air cafe, sheltered from the elements, is adorned with intricately carved Fijian totems, adding a touch of local culture to your dining experience. The spacious seating area ensures you won’t feel cramped, even during busier times.

For those seeking a more intimate setting, there’s a cute picnic table separate from the main area – perfect for a quiet chat or some peaceful reflection.

We were pleasantly surprised by the immaculate condition of the toilets – a detail that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for a pitstop along the Queens Road. It’s these little things that can make or break a travel experience, and Baravi Handicrafts Cafe certainly doesn’t disappoint!

But what truly sets this cafe apart is its location next to the handicraft centre. This proximity adds an extra layer of intrigue and gives you a compelling reason to linger longer. After all, where else can you enjoy a delicious meal and then immediately immerse yourself in local art and craftsmanship?

Speaking of crafts, if you’re itching to take a piece of Fiji home with you, you’re in luck as that’s what we’re about to explore, waiting just next door…

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The Shopping Experience at Baravi Handicrafts

After enjoying the delightful café at Baravi Handicrafts, we couldn’t resist exploring their enticing retail space. As we stepped in, we were greeted with warm bula smiles, setting the perfect tone for our shopping adventure.

The first thing that caught our eye was the soft lighting illuminating an impressive array of South Pacific pearls. But that was just the beginning!

Every wall and shelf space was adorned with authentic Fijian crafts. We marvelled at the tanoa bowls used in traditional kava ceremonies, intricately carved mako masks, and cute lali drums (you’ll recognise these at your resort or when it’s church time in the villages).

The tapa (masi) clothes featuring traditional motifs were stunning, and our personal favourite was the beautifully crafted maps of Fiji.

Robin couldn’t help but pick up a war club (boys will be boys!), while I was drawn to the more practical souvenirs. If you’re after those quintessential holiday mementoes like magnets, keychains, or Fiji Bitter beer holders, they’ve got you covered.

Tropical Fashion Finds

What really impressed us was the clothing selection. Forget your run-of-the-mill “I Love Fiji” t-shirts – Baravi offers a fantastic range of tropical wear that wouldn’t look out of place in a local’s wardrobe.

We particularly loved the colourful bula shirts, perfect for embracing the Fiji vibe. Laura was particularly smitten with the Rip Curl range of stylish surfwear. And for those looking for something a bit more elegant, there was an array of flowy, tropical dresses – a rare find for us holidaymakers from New Zealand!

Supporting Local Artisans

We were thrilled to learn that Baravi Handicrafts is part of the Jack’s of Fiji family. This means they not only stock imported brands but 11 exclusive brands, including QAQA, SAC, Firstribe, Katchi Kids, and Jackie K – we were particularly drawn to the Firstribe surf wear.

What we love most is Jack’s of Fiji’s commitment to supporting local craftspeople and businesses. By mainly focusing on locally-made products rather than imports, they’re one of the largest contributors to Fiji’s local industry. It’s heartening to know that our purchases indirectly support hundreds of people in villages and towns across the Fiji islands.

From its humble beginnings as a small handicraft and souvenir store in 1969, Jack’s of Fiji has grown into a beloved brand catering to both locals and tourists, and this certainly shows at Baravi Handicrafts.

Jack’s of Fiji also offers locally crafted Fiji Mabe Pearls, known for their unique shapes and cultural designs.

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Conclusion

As we wrap up our review of Baravi Handicrafts Cafe, it’s clear this hidden gem on the Coral Coast offers a delightful fusion of culinary adventures and shopping experiences that truly capture Fiji’s essence. From delicious Fijian flavours to international comfort foods, the cafe serves up tasty and affordable options for every traveller.

But the experience doesn’t end there – the adjoining handicraft shop is a treasure trove of authentic Fijian crafts and souvenirs.

What sets Baravi Handicrafts apart is its commitment to supporting local artisans and businesses. As part of the Jack’s of Fiji family, they stock exclusive local brands alongside imported names, ensuring your purchases directly contribute to Fiji’s local industry.

Whether you’re after a scrumptious meal, unique souvenirs, or simply a taste of genuine Fijian hospitality, this charming spot ticks all the boxes. It’s more than just a pit stop – it’s a destination in its own right, and one we wholeheartedly recommend adding to your Coral Coast itinerary.

The Details

• Open from 6 am to 9 pm daily
• Location: Vatukarasa, Coral Coast
• More info: Baravi Handicrafts on Instagram